People take part in a “Count Every Vote” rally in New York City the day after the US election
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Several protesters were arrested after election day amid a protest march in Manhattan, New York. Activists fired and clashed with the heavily present police forces. The police seized weapons and want to de-escalate.
A “Count Every Vote” rally that began Wednesday afternoon in Manhattan lasted into the evening and drew an estimated 400 to 500 protesters, according to a local protest group.
Although an earlier action, in which large crowds also marched through the streets with banners and signs, was peaceful, the demonstration in Manhattan took on a tense atmosphere. Protesters gathering in Washington Square Park in Lower Manhattan were surprised by hundreds of police officers and the presence of police helicopters, according to Jake Offenhartz, an eyewitness who documented the events on the scene.
March arrives in Washington Square Park, where they’re greeted by hundreds of cops and a constellation of police helicopters. Two NYU freshmen said the sound of choppers kept them up all night pic.twitter.com/rpyOFoFJwq
– Jake Offenhartz (@jangelooff) November 4, 2020
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A second march that broke away from the group in the park was flanked by dozens of riot police on bicycles. These began with the arrests after the mood in the crowd had heated up. The police also tried to encircle the demonstrators in order to restrict their freedom of movement.
A new march has moved off from the park — more BLM than pro-Biden. They’re flanked from either side by 50+ bike cops in riot gear, who just stormed 6th Ave and arrested someone (unclear why) pic.twitter.com/8kLERruUk2
– Jake Offenhartz (@jangelooff) November 5, 2020
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After the protest heated up, scuffles broke out between the police and the demonstrators. According to Offenhartz, the activists concerned came from the “black block”, referring to militant demonstrators from the left, who often come into conflict with the police. The protesters started several small fires, which can be seen in video footage on social media. The extinguishing work would also be recorded.
The New York police addressed the events of Wednesday evening in a tweet. They support “the right of every individual to freedom of expression” – but the setting of fires and endangering others will not be tolerated. The officials were working to de-escalate the protests, it said.
We support everyone’s right to self-expression, but setting fires puts others at risk and will not be tolerated. We are working to de-escalate the situation near Morton Street in the West Village to prevent further damage from occurring. pic.twitter.com/4nTK6UUBzC
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) November 5, 2020
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According to official figures, there were allegedly more than 20 arrests during the protests. Those arrested are described as “those who tried to usher in a peaceful protest by setting fires and throwing rubbish and eggs in Manhattan.” A photo of weapons confiscated from law enforcement officers during the march was also published. Among them are several knives, fireworks and a stun gun.
These weapons, confiscated at protests tonight, put others at risk. Bringing weapons to peaceful protests cannot and will not be tolerated. We are currently working to de-escalate the situation. Anyone caught with a weapon will be arrested. pic.twitter.com/GiCDv74ncT
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) November 5, 2020
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more on the subject – Trump complains about alleged manipulation of the US presidential election
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